America's oldest manufacturer of fine writing instruments was established in 1846 by Richard Cross
and Edward W. Bradbury. Manufacturing in the Providence, RI, facility first was limited to elegantly
tooled gold and silver casings of wooden pencils.

Cross Since 1846

The "Since 1846" in the company logo commemorates the birth year of 2nd generation Cross legacy, Alonzo
Townsend Cross, Son and Grandson of the founders. Alonzo was an innovator of his time; he invented pencils,
fountain pens, leather cases, and the first steam engine car in Rhode Island.

1871

Richard Cross and Sons

In 1871, founder Richard Cross teaches his two sons the Pen and Pencil business. Later that
year, he announces a co-partnership with Henry and Alonzo Cross by changing the name of the
business to Richard Cross and Sons.

1880

A. T. Cross Factory

A. T. Cross Factory at 53 Warren Street, Providence, RI was operated by a steam engine of 10
horse powers. By early 1881 the Cross manufacturing building on this site was completed and
would serve the company for the next 80 years.

1889

The "Peerless" Fountain Pen

The Cross Pen Co. created its very first fountain pen in Providence, Rhode Island in 1889. It was
called "Peerless" because it had no peers to match its exquisite design, and quickly became an
American classic.

1910

1st Boss Family Member

In the years to follow, the Boss Family becomes an integral part of the Cross history. The first
family member to work for Alonzo Cross was 12 year old Ellery Boss*. Ellery would work after school
helping out where he could, slowly learning the trade. In later years he leads the development of
our ballpoint pen technology.

* Featured in center

1916

Walter R. Boss Purchases Cross

As the second Boss to work for Cross, Walter R. Boss quickly learns the trade and has a passion
to keep the Cross business alive. He purchases Cross in 1916, where it will remain in the Boss
family until September 2013.

1940

Cross Business Gift Line

As this 1940's ad depicts to the left, Cross was notorious for their custom Corporate Gift
personalization services. In the early 1800's, Cross launched what many to this day think of
as their first Business Gift Items: a novelty line of pencils in the shapes of knives,
letter openers, rulers, and screws.

1953

Cross Develops the Ballpoint Pen

The ballpoint pen had been in the market since 1945; however, Cross wasn't ready to launch
this new technology until they had the quality they demanded. In 1953, with the help of Ellery
Boss, and the availability of better paste inks, made it possible to release the Cross-quality
Ballpoint pen line.

1958

The Boss Legacy Continues

In 1958 a third generation of the Boss family joins Cross - Brad Boss, shown to the right with Russ
Boss (second generation of Boss family to join Cross, 1937–1988). Brad will one day be CEO of the Cross
Brand and take them to the end of the 20th century. He handed over his CEO position to Ron Boss and
continued as Chairman until he retired in 1999.

1970

Cross Expanded Internationally

Cross has been an international company since the 1970's, opening their first distributor relationship
in Japan. Image of a young man in Tokyo buying a Cross ballpoint pen for a friend's traditional "coming
of age day" - her 21st birthday.

1991

The Townsend Line

The Townsend line, named for Alonzo Townsend Cross, descended from the distinguished Newport
gold- and silversmithing family, took its inspiration from the company's 1938 Art Deco fountain pen,
but in shape, style and interior design it was entirely new. To this day it's known as the "Pen of U.S. Presidents".

1996

Whitechapel Bell Foundry, London

In 1996, the A.T. Cross Company commissioned a bell from Whitechapel Bell Foundry, London, as
a gift to the Smithsonian Institution, which also celebrated its 150th anniversary that year.

2015

Over 168 Years of Making Marks

The Cross brand was founded by jewelry makers and artisans of usable luxury, and has been crafting fine
writing instruments for more years than any company in the Western world. Today's Luxury Collection is the
culmination of this pursuit. It includes four iconic Cross designs in precious metals like silver, gold,
and platinum as well as beautiful details like inset precious stones. This unique and timeless collection
is recognized by its “X” Authenticity Mark. There is no better way to express yourself and make your mark.